New details have emerged revealing why President Uhuru Kenyatta appointed Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Fred Matiang'i as the acting Interior CS.
First, the Head of State is said to have received advice from the National Security Council which consists of the Kenyatta, Deputy President William Ruto, Defence CS, Foreign Affairs Minister, the Attorney General, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) boss, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General and Inspector General of Police.
The members are said to have considered Dr Matiangi's "firmness and commitment to a course" as his main strength.
"After brainstorming over the sad events and state of the country’s security, the meeting, chaired by the President, settled on Matiang’i who has a similar work ethic to the late minister," a source privy to the matter conveyed.
Second, Dr Matiang'i was selected for being the President's "go-to-guy" in case something needs to be straightened out as he has gathered a reputation as a no-nonsense and thorough leader.
A track record evident from when he served in the Information and Communications Ministry, he spear-headed the transition from analogue to digital television despite resistance from media stakeholders and court cases that reached the Supreme Court level.
He also single-handedly managed to quash cartels within the Kenya National Examination Council (KNEC) just months after his appointment to the Education docket amid resistance that saw many schools lose property in a wave of arson attacks.
The radical reformist additionally has a growing influence within the President's Jubilee party.
Third, the President asserted that the Ministry was sensitive adding that the vacuum needed to be sealed with urgency.
"I take this opportunity this morning to inform Kenyans that there shall be no vacuum in securing our country. I have taken the decision to appoint Dr Matiang’i the acting Minister for Internal Security to ensure there is no vacuum," President Kenyatta explained.
Read More: Education CS Fred Matiang'i Appointed Acting Interior Cabinet Secretary
